The Renwick Gallery is closed to the public to prepare for the exhibition Handwork: Contemporary Craft at the Renwick Gallery, opening November 13.

Smithsonian American Art Museum

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This is a picture taken from the mezzanine level of the Luce Foundation Center for American Art with an artwork by Glenn Kaino centered. There are cases filled with sculptures and paintings on the right and left side of the image, and a skylight illuminating the space.

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Lynda Roscoe Hartigan Named Director of SAAM

The Smithsonian announced the appointment of Lynda Roscoe Hartigan as the Margaret and Terry Stent Director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, effective September 8, 2026.

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Artworks

Sphinx

Copied Unidentified, Sphinx, lead, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly, 1929.8.163

Free to use

Artwork Details

Title: Sphinx
Artist: Unidentified
Location: Not on view
Credit Line: Gift of John Gellatly
Mediums: lead
Mediums Description: lead
Classifications: Sculpture
Subjects: Mythology — classical — Sphinx
Object Number: 1929.8.163

Copied Unidentified, Sphinx, lead, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly, 1929.8.163

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Smithsonian American Art Museum

8th and G Streets, NW

Washington, DC 20004

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Mon - Sun:

11:30 am‑7:00 pm

Renwick Gallery

Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20006

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10:00 am‑5:30 pm

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Museums

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Open Daily, 11:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m

Plan your visit

Renwick Gallery

Open Daily, 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m

Plan your visit

Skip to the next menu

Art + Artists

Explore Art and Artists

Collection Highlights
Search Artworks
New Acquisitions
Search Artists
Search Women Artists

Something Fun

Which Artist Shares Your Birthday?
Comics

Exhibitions

Current Exhibitions
Upcoming Exhibitions
Traveling Exhibitions
Past Exhibitions

Art Conservation

Lunder Conservation Center

Collection Highlights

Skip to the next menu

Research

Research Resources

Research and Scholars Center
Nam June Paik Archive Collection
Photograph Study Collection
National Art Inventories Databases
Save Outdoor Sculpture!
Researching Your Art
Library

Publications

American Art Journal
Catalogs and Books
Scholarly Symposia
Publication Prizes

Fellows and Interns

Fellowship Programs
List of Fellows and Scholars
Internship Programs

Featured Resource

How Do I Research My Art?

Want to learn more about the painting you found while clearing out the attic? For answers, be prepared for a little detective work.

Skip to the next menu

Education

For K-12 Teachers

Teachers Guides and Resources
Field Trips and School Tours
Professional Development
Classroom Videoconferences
Summer Institutes for Teachers
Student Artwork Showcase

For Lifelong Learners

Adult Learners
Group Tour Request

Learn from Home

Resources for Learning at Home
Family Activities

Featured Resource

Educational Resources Search

Find lesson plans, hands-on activities, and more for learners of all ages.

Search educational resources

Skip to the next menu

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Latest News

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About the Museums

About Us
Museum History

Host an Event

Event Venues and Space Rental

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Contact Us
Sign up for our Newsletter

Featured Story

Lynda Roscoe Hartigan Named Director of SAAM

The Smithsonian announced the appointment of Lynda Roscoe Hartigan as the Margaret and Terry Stent Director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, effective September 8, 2026.

Skip to the next menu

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